"I got my Fiat 500 Pop at the end of Jan 2012, and I've been in love ever since! The car has a surprisingly amount of interior space, and driving it is super fun. I love all of the reactions that I get from pedestrians and other drivers when they see it. I am 6'1 and got the model with the sunroof, and I still have plenty of headroom with the seat hight raised to position 2. If you have an iPhone, you will LOVE the fiat App. Its amazing! It has everything you need to know about your car right there for you 24/7. My only complaint is that I wish that "blue and me" could play the music without wires... Very Satisfied Customer!"
"The Fiat 500 has consistently been one of Europe's top selling cars since its introduction in 2007, and I couldn't wait to check it out once it arrived here in the States.
Everything about it is surprising. Even in base trim it comes well-equipped, with a height-adjustable seat, keyless entry, a/c, Sport-mode button for more aggressive driving, and stereo with CD.
Once I drove it, my decision had been reached. Tiny on the outside, for two people the interior is extremely comfortable up front. Everything is easy to reach, works well, and the driver's seat is soft and supportive without being bulgy in the wrong places like some other cars. All of the displays are large and well-marked and controls within easy reach. The styling of the interior is brilliant - unlike the Mini, the 500 captures a retro-feeling interior ambiance without putting the buttons and levers in places you aren't normally going to look for them. Other than a few things which are out of place, like the look of the door panels, the interior seems upmarket, almost near luxury, and the 500 is competitive in that area too - you can get heated seats, heated mirrors, a Bose or Kicker sound system, full leather interior, alloys and chrome galore for about $4k less than a Mini.
The back seat is small, but it isn't entirely inhospitable. I have sat back there, and while it isn't a Suburban it does actually fit two people, and my dog likes it back there just fine.
The interior is also rounded out by seven airbags, including a knee bag for the driver which is not the norm in this segment. The 500 was also safety-reinforced additionally for the US market.
I do have a sunroof, but at 5 foot 10 I don't have headroom issues. Very tall people may, but since none of us should buy a car sight unseen I suggest you check out the headroom both with and without before you buy.
Unlike the review below, I am aware that most cars with an autostick require you to shift the car yourself when the car is not in 'D' - which, for those of you who've never driven an automatic, means "Drive". With the autostick in "+ -", you must shift the car yourself. Press up for lower gears and down for higher. I am not sure what it so mysterious about this and, for the record, his car shifted at 40 and 70 in autostick mode to protect the transmission because that's what it does if you don't shift it manually. Also, I'd tend to take reviews from people that rented ANY car with a grain of salt. Are these people who would have purchased it otherwise? Not necessarily. You buy cars to live with - you *rent* them because you need transportation.
Anyway, the 500 keeps up with traffic just fine. It feels sprightly and energetic, yet the ride is among the softest and most compliant I've ever experienced in a small car. It feels larger than it is until you try to park it, which is when you will see that you often have several more feet in front of you than you think you do. Those of you that like strong handling may well want to try the Sport, with larger tires and a lower stance but for most of the United States the Pop and Lounge versions offer a nice ride without a severe trade-off in handling or safety. Most of us owners are also getting MUCH better MPGs than the EPA numbers. Huh...
The only marks I detracted were for reliability and that's only because it remains to be seen. As a new model here, only time will tell. But speaking of time, in the time I've had mine I've been delighted. It is simply brilliant in that it makes me and my family happy to drive it. Other people smile at it and wave. Others stop to ask what it is. Still others owned them in Italy and want to tell you about some experience they had in it.
There are so few cars out there these days that don't feel like appliances. Still fewer that can make us smile with a starting price of $15,500.
In both respects Fiat has finally shared with us a bulleye: high smiles per dollar. Such a rarity these days..."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Commuting
+39points
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Review 3 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Much More Than a City Car
,
April 1, 2013
By singforsupper
from Upstate, NY
Comfort:
3out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
4out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I have had my Fiat 500 POP for seven months. This can a great car for a single person or a couple. Here are the positives:
Performance- Positives: Great gas mileage. Very smooth and comfortable on the highway. responsive steering. Handles well for the most part. Negative: Not good on sharp curves at higher speeds. Too top heave to hug a curve like a sports car. Driving experience is very engaging. Driving even at lower speeds is exciting. Plenty of power if you get the manual transmission. I recommend learning to drive manual if you need rather that purchasing an automatic transmission on this car. It's that important to the experience. The car was designed for european markets where most people drive manual transmissions. The north American manual gear ratios are well designed for 35mph. 45 mph. and highway speeds. The north American engine (made in Michigan) is also well paired for North American roads. You can wring a lot of power out of the engine at 4000 rpm upshifts without worries because the engine redlines at 6700 rpm. Drives surprisingly well in the snow.
Exterior: It's gorgeous! Incredible style. Harkens back to the old 500L wonderfully. Low wind noise. Easy to wash.
Interior- Positives: Again, incredible style. Front seat area is very roomy even for ver tall people. Steering wheel is luxurious. Visibility is wonderful. Negatives: Large door openings mean seatbelt retracts too far behind you causing discomfort to reach it. Given the size of the car, it's no surprise that the back seats are not confortable for long rides. Leg room and hard seating surface are issues even for shorter people.
Overall- Amazing combination of fun, function and style."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+1point
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Review 4 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
1out of5
Radio issues
,
March 25, 2013
By 500fan
from UK
Comfort:
2out of5
Performance:
2out of5
Exterior Styling:
3out of5
Interior Design:
2out of5
Value for the Money:
2out of5
Reliability:
2out of5
"Radio packed up after 2 years, just outside warranty. Fiat not interested in discussing - very unhappy."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: No
This vehicle was purchased: Used
Primary use for this car: Having fun
+1point
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Review 5 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
back in the fold
,
March 9, 2013
By rick
from western vermont
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
4out of5
"i'm a long time Italian car and motorcycle owner and so familiar with the range of the experience. Fiat has needed to bring a good car to this market and they have succeeded. i bought a 15K 2012 pop, a plain jane'er to the car trade. it's fabulous. tight, responsive, and quicker than i expected. its comfortable for everyday driving, economical to run, and has that Italian "snap". In my opinion it has an an amazing amount of content for its price. time will tell if it is durable. fiat knows how. we will see if they have had the will to do so. they can't afford as a company for this car to miss in the usa market."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: Used
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+2points
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Review 6 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Zippy
,
January 10, 2013
By Stephen
from Los Angeles CA
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I have this car for about 3 weeks and I love everything about it. The styling is very different than everything out there. I love the interior and the seats are very comfortable. I use my car for work, and haul a lot of stuff around. I was worrired I wouldn't be able to get stuff in there, but I have had no trouble. The convertible is great, even though it isn't a true convertible. The BOSE system works great. It took me a week to find the volume knobs on the back of the stearing wheel Makes it so much easier. MPG is around 40 so far combined. It is a breeze to park in small places. A truley fun car"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Work
+1point
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Review 7 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
A very fun car
,
October 20, 2012
By LindaLou
from Cape Coral, FL
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
4out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"The vehicle interior is smartly layed out with easy to use features. Nothing is too complex to use while driving and its not over ladened with non driving items. Although only a 4 cyclinder it has good pick up and maneuverability through city streets or on the highways. An average trip doing errands can actually be fun."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Having fun
+1point
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Review 8 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
2out of5
Poor Quality 2009 model
,
October 13, 2012
By Disappointed Fiat 500 owner
from Derbyshire
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
3out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
1out of5
"Fiat 500 Quality leaves a lot to be desired. My wife has a convertiable and it looks great drives well when it works. We have had it since new, less than 3 years ago and already on its 2nd electrical fault. The dealership have been little help though they did say might of been more help if we had it serviced with them. Nice bit of bribery. The fault is down to poor manufacturing. According to the dealership when the boot has opened and shut it has chaffed the wires and now they have broken. So now it needs a £600 worth of wiring loom, not bad on a car that has done less than 30,000 miles. Fiat won't except its their fault though have offered £150 according to the dealer, nowhere near exceptable because it is a manufacturing fault. Overall don't buy a new fiat the quality and service leaves a heck of a lot to be desired"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: No
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Transporting family
+4points
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Review 9 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
3out of5
Design not as good as I initially thought
,
October 2, 2012
By Kris
from Maryland
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
4out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
3out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
4out of5
"Overall, a good economical car. The few things I don't like about it are the locking system and the iPod/iPhone connectivity. There are no interior locking bottoms, so you can't lock it without the key. Also, every time you lock it, it beeps. I HATE this.
If I want to get into the car but first put things like groceries in the trunk, I unlock the car, then have to press a separate button to unlock the trunk, then when I put the groceries in the trunk and shut the trunk door, that locks the car doors too!
The ads boast of iPod/iPhone connectivity, but it is really just USB connectivity. There is no capability of playing a playlist or an artist, or even displaying their names. Only the song titles can be displayed."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Commuting
+3points
5out of7found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Literally perfect for it's mission
,
September 24, 2012
By drdivo
from Houston, Texas
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
4out of5
Exterior Styling:
4out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"For its mission, this car is nearly ideal.
It drives very, very well. Rides well. Very comfortable in front. Rear cargo area can swallow unbelievable amounts of stuff. Interior is very pleasing.
For a single person running around, this car is magnificent. You can park it in a bike rack. It has every feature you may need. You can haul people, or stuff. It gets GREAT mileage.
Things I don't understand about those who dislike this car -
*the back seat is too small. Uh, it's a city car. What were you expecting? Captain's chairs? Get real.
*it's not very fast. Hm. Why, yes, that's true. It's spunky but it's not a Mustang GT. If you want fast - buy something that's fast.
*the interior plastics are kind of cheap and they scratch easily. Why, yes. In a car that costs about $18,000, who could have guessed that the interior plastics would be cheap? If they scratch easily, why are you scratching them? Perhaps you could be more careful. If you want something that's impervious to human activity, you should be shopping for something else anyway.
*the Bose stereo isn't loud enough. (*cough*) I'm not that old, and your music really does suck. Sorry. It sounds terrific for an EIGHTEEN THOUSAND DOLLAR CAR.
People's expectations are unreasonable.
This is a terrific car at a terrific price. It seems to be quite well built and it's rewarding to drive. It comes in a rainbow of colors and it's cheap to customize and make just your own.
You should buy one."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+5points
7out of9found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Reliable, Sporty and Economic... Without Gimmicks
,
September 18, 2012
By moparornocarr
from Wadena, MN
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
4out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I never pictured myself as a Fiat guy. We got it as a rental when we were on vacation, and after that my mind was made up. It's sporty looking on the outside and the inside (Sport model), it has a great sound system, and it has been extremely reliable. Of course it also gets excellent fuel economy without gimmicky buttons or hybrid technology, which I'm not sold on. I average around 40 mpg hwy on my daily commute to work, which is well above the 34 EPA on my automatic. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a car that's fun to drive, turns heads, rides smooth and gets great fuel economy, look no further."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Commuting
+1point
2out of3found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Don't deny yourself this "luxury"
,
August 21, 2012
By FIAT Driver of old
from Medina, NY
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"My 4X4 truck will be phased out this coming fall as I continue getting around at over 41 mpg (consistent readings from my EVIC - If you don't know what that stands for, it'll cost ya to find out BUY ONE.) You just THINK you need a big vehicle, you don't. You just THINK you have to waste gas, you don't. You just THINK full throttle acceleration is mandantory at every stop sign & stop light, it's not - though doing it with the base FIAT model WILL leave most SUV's straining to catch you! ... and the twisting curves? heh-heh ... SUV's sure do have a lot of lean. If you don't at least go to your local dealer, sit in the driver's seat, let your right hand comfortable find the gear shift knob .... then drive it. You've nothing to add to this site; not even your archaic opinion to real driving. That's what brough me back to the FIAT - driving is back in my hands. I command the vehicle what to do, not vice versa and again if you don't agree, you should be reviewing your next ultra-megatronc dealer's website; the best SUV ever. NOT"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+2points
3out of4found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
THE HAPPIEST I HAVE EVER BEEN WITH A NEW CAR.
,
August 9, 2012
By love in a fiat
from CRESTVIEW, LA.
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I HAVE PUT AROUND 2,000 MILES ON MY FIAT, INCLUDING A TRIP TO A DEARLER IN BIRMINGHAM, AND I NEVER GET TIRED DRIVING MY FIAT."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+1point
1out of1found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
So far very happy with it.
,
June 11, 2012
By Arrianna
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
3out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"We love every thing about this car(500). Size, agility,gas mileage and initial cost. Would put up against "Mini"."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
0points
1out of2found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Great little car!
,
April 18, 2012
By Elmo
from Virginia Beach, VA
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
4out of5
Value for the Money:
4out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"Very cool ride that the average American do not understant! Here it will always be:the bigger the better! If you do not need to carry more than your grocery or many people can't beat this car. Very advanced technology wise, excellent score for safety, super fun to drive specially the Cabrio (it handles like a go-kart and it is zippy!), manual is a must, great mileage, stilysh and cute as a button! Do we have a point here? Lets learn from Europe how to waste less, be more frugal and help to save our planet!"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Commuting
+3points
3out of3found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
3out of5
Trouble from the beginning
,
March 4, 2012
By jchasp
from Chattanooga, TN
Comfort:
3out of5
Performance:
2out of5
Exterior Styling:
3out of5
Interior Design:
3out of5
Value for the Money:
3out of5
Reliability:
1out of5
"I bought my new, 2012 Fiat 500 Pop on 12/22/2011. Three days after purchase, I noticed an interior water leak and returned the car to the dealer. The dealer found that the cause of the leaks were, "body seams that were left open, unwelded, unsealed and unpainted during manufacture." Got the car back after 23 days in the shop. That same day, I noticed not only that the leak wasn't repaired, but the car had developed electrical problems. I returned it to the shop. More open body seams were found around the windshield and it has yet to be returned. I requested a replacement. Fiat agreed. The dealership acquired my replacement on 02/10/2012, but the dealership/Fiat has yet to get it to me (03/05) and can't/won't give me any reasonable explanation as to why. I'm told by Fiat Customer Assistance to contact my Fiat Case Manager, Kathy Nelson, but I have no way to contact her. To date, my car has spent 79% of it's life in the shop for the same problem. I'm stuck. I regret my purchase and cannot recommend the car because of these problems, and lack of communication/cooperation of Chrysler/Fiat and the dealership."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: No
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+9points
9out of9found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Small Car - Great Joy to Drive
,
February 21, 2012
By Tony Fig
from Stafford, VA
Comfort:
4out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
4out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"F abulous car in a small size; I nterior is a lot bigger and comfortable as look; A ttention to details is great inside and outside; T ake is for a drive, it will put a smile on your face!
5 Five Reasons to own 0 ne: Fun, Cute, Reliable, Stylist and the best 0 ne is that FIAT 500 is unique!!!"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Commuting
+1point
4out of7found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Great car with quick and nimble handling
,
February 13, 2012
By JTofSD
from Northern Plains
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I own a 2012 Fiat 500 Pop with automatic. It is a great car. I really like how easy it is to get in and out of the Fiat. I am 6' 3" and have plenty of headroom and good legroom. My car does not have a sunroof. The sunroof does cut down on headroom.
The Fiat 500 gets 30-32 mpg in city driving. It has plenty of power, and it handles very nicely. The fit and finish is excellent. The back seat is small, and while the seats do fold down, they do not fold down flat into the floor, so the cargo area is two levels. But the back area behind the rear seats is surprisingly large. Luggage or many sacks of groceries or a golf bag could easily fit there even with the rear seats up.
Driving is fine, and the Fiat 500 sits higher than a typical car, so you have excellent visibility and a solid feel on the road. Highway driving is fairly quiet, and the car cruises well. The Fiat 500 even does well in the snow, since it has ABS and electronic stability control. My car is sure footed, and a joy to park. Excellent turning radius.
Overall the car is exceeding my expectations, and is a great value when compared to other similar cars like the VW Beetle or Mini Cooper.
Overall, I am very pleased"
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+6points
7out of8found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
Cute car!
,
February 13, 2012
By Ingeborg
from Indianapolis, IN
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I bought my Fiat 500 Lounge in August of 2011. It has been a very practical and comfortable car for me. It is so much fun to drive, so easy to park, and looks beautiful in white with red and white leather interior."
I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes
This vehicle was purchased: New
Primary use for this car: Just getting around
+2points
2out of2found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for 2012_Fiat_500
Overall Rating:
5out of5
I love my little red Fiat!
,
January 31, 2012
By Sassy Mia
from Manzanita, OR
Comfort:
5out of5
Performance:
5out of5
Exterior Styling:
5out of5
Interior Design:
5out of5
Value for the Money:
5out of5
Reliability:
5out of5
"I have had my little red Fiat for over two weeks now. She is a great little car. I have taken a little road trip and put over 1,000 miles on her, went shopping for groceries, dog food and clothing and still had room. Gave rides to friends and family and everyone was comfortable, even in the back seat. I drove her for eight hours and was still having fun! I am not a small petite person but a short, fat one and I fit so good in this car!
She had ummmf to get up and go when passing cars, great parking ability, wonderful in the parking lots when I needed to manuver around others, great stopping power, and so much fun to drive!
I love the fixed glass roof in my little Fiat! The wonderful color and design of the interior is so handy and cute! The seats just wrap around you with comfort and support with just enough leg room for comfort and ease. Very comfortable heating system, so great to set it on automatic and be cozy... it is temperature controled. Great Bose sound system with Satilite and easy to use Blue and Me! You just can't ask for more at this price point!
I would certainly recommend this product to any friend or acquaintance! I love it!"